“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
One of my favorite verses from Proverbs. I often use this verse from
the Holy Bible to teach a lesson to my children. I sometimes use it as a follow
up to the “birds of a feather flock together” speech that I’m sure many of us have
used at one time or another. Masonry is an excellent example of this lesson.
Men must begin their venture into Masonry as individuals. Young Masons,
throughout their initiations, have degrees explained to them and are taught moral
and virtuous lessons by aid of various symbols and working tools. They are taught
to contemplate things that most men do not until the twilight years of life. This
system of educations is good and has withstood the test of time, but in the end,
it is left to the individual man to determine if what they are experiencing is relevant
and meaningful. Our social intercourse and influences outside of the degrees of
Masonry play a very important role in sharpening another
Mason’s comprehension and experience in Masonry.
How important, then, it is to increase our knowledge and understanding
of Masonry. Masonry is not a self help program that is learned by reading a book
and concluding by ones self what the meanings of its contents are. The Degrees of
Masonry are beautiful. The young mason experiences these Degrees with all his senses
giving deeper meaning to the lessons taught. How more deeper and meaningful a Masonic
journey would be if combined with a brothers life experiences and insight into Masonic
rituals. Many hours of discussion with brothers have helped form the opinions I
have and hold dear about our great fraternity. Many of us have offices or roles
to play when at lodge and this is important, but a little extra time spent visiting
with a young, or not so young, brother will pay big rewards in your life. Let us
become more knowledgeable of our fraternity and cultivate an environment that is
friendly to the sharing of thoughts and ideas. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens
another”.
Akdar Masonic Lodge is a great place to belong! The Brothers of Akdar
make our time together fun and exciting. Keep up the good work!
Fraternally,
Barry Wickett, Worshipful Master
Akdar Masonic Lodge #555